Continental and the Heart Foundation Tick
Continental has been working closely with the Heart Foundation Tick program to create healthier products. Each product is independently tested for a range of nutrients such as saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and dietary fibre, and today more than 50 Continental products meet the Tick's strict nutrition standards.
All recipes using Continental products with the Tick are also developed to meet the Heart Foundation's recipe guidelines. Continental products with the Tick include Vegifull Cup-A-Soup and the entire Continental Side Dish Range (Pasta & Sauces, Rices, Cous Cous and Mash).
The Heart Foundation Tick is a self-funded, public health program.
Since 1989 the Tick Program has been challenging food companies to reformulate and produce healthier products for the supermarket shelves. The Tick highlights these healthier choices so that they are quick and easy for shoppers to spot without being a nutrition expert.
In general, Tick approved foods and meals must meet strict standards for saturated fat, trans fat, salt and where appropriate, kilojoules. In some categories fibre and/or vegetable content are tested.
There may be other healthier foods, but only those carrying the Heart Foundation Tick can be guaranteed to have been independently tested and to have met strict nutrient standards.
Find out more about the National Heart Foundation Tick
Sodium Reduction Program
Research shows eating too much salt contributes to the rise in blood pressure that occurs as we get older. 75% of the salt in our diet comes from processed foods such as breads, cereals and ready prepared foods.
In recognition of the positive impact Continental can make to the health of Australians, we have been actively reducing sodium across our entire product range.
This program can be divided into a number of stages.
Step 1: Sodium Reduction
Continental has been reducing the sodium content of its products since 1993, with a more focused sodium reduction program starting in 2001.
More than 50 Continental products now meet the Heart Foundation Tick's strict nutrition standards.
Step 2: Promoting a Healthy Diet
Where possible, Continental back of pack recipes recommend the use of lean cuts of meats, reduced-fat dairy and vegetables. Our ingredients, allergen and nutrition information is clear and easy to read on our packaging.
Step 3: Continuing Sodium Reduction
Stepwise sodium eductions will continue across all Continental products.
Vegi-full
Take a smarter approach to snacking with Continental Vegifull Cup-a-Soup. With 90% vegetables, it's a perfect snack to keep handy at home or work for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Continental Vegifull Cup-A-Soup Nutrition Highlights:
- 90% vegetables
- Thick, wholesome taste that guarantees satisfaction
- 99% fat free
- Heart Foundation Tick approved
Check out the nutritional difference between Continental Vegifull Cup a Soup and other commonly consumed snacks (Source: Xyris Software, Australian Nutrition Database (Ausnut database), Foodworks Professional Edition, Version 3.02a)
*CERT TM used under license